LAPPIN LOAN LIFT FOR CITY

MALKY Mackay has moved to solve his defensive injury crisis by bringing in Simon Lappin from Premier League Norwich City.

MALKY Mackay has moved to solve his defensive injury crisis by bringing in Simon Lappin from Premier League Norwich City.

The 29-year-old, on loan until January 1, can play in midfield or at left-back and is poised to take his place in Cardiff City’s back-line as they head to Barnsley on Saturday.

City will be without centre-half Ben Turner (hamstring) and full-backs Andrew Taylor (calf) and Kevin McNaughton (thigh) for the trip to Oakwell.

The Bluebirds, who went second in the Championship after beating Middlesbrough at home on Saturday, are looking to get their away from back on track after defeats in their last two outings at Bolton and Charlton.

Lappin has managed just one game under Chris Hughton at Norwich this term, scoring a goal in the Canaries’ 2-1 win over Scunthorpe in the League Cup back in August.

Last campaign he managed only four league appearances, but he was a mainstay as Norwich were promoted from League One and the Championship in successive seasons under former manager Paul Lambert.

Born in Glasgow, Lappin began his career at St Mirren before moving to Norwich for £100,000 in January 2007. He has since made 125 appearances for the Norfolk side and is a former Scotland under-21 international.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash Mackay has also been boosted by the return of midfielder Jordon Mutch after two months out injured.

The 20-year-old played and scored in the Cardiff development side’s 4-0 win over Colchester on Tuesday.

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